Several free workshops are being offered in Kansas and Missouri to help produce growers meet requirements for the Food Safety Modernization Act.
Free produce safety training for fruit and vegetable growers
Workshops meet requirements for Food Safety Modernization Act
Aug. 27, 2021
MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Kansas and Missouri produce growers can enroll in free workshops to meet training requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule.
Londa Nwadike, a food safety specialist with K-State Research and Extension and the University of Missouri Extension, said both in-person and online workshops are scheduled for the next several months.
FSMA includes standards related to water quality, use of manure and compost, and worker health and hygiene, according to Nwadike. The standards are intended to reduce the risk of contamination from E. coli, Listeria, Salmonella and other disease-causing microbes.
“Because some produce is not cooked before eating, it’s essential that anyone handling fresh fruit and vegetables along the grower-to-consumer chain use the best practices possible to ensure safety,” Nwadike said.
Farms subject to the FSMA Produce Safety Rule (PSA) must have at least one supervisor who has successfully completed specific training requirements. Participants will receive a training certificate and a PSA Training Manual.
There will also be free workshops for supervisors who need to meet annual FSMA refresher training requirements. In addition, a two-hour online workshop on Sept. 9 will look at the requirements for USDA Good Agricultural Practices certification and how to create a food safety plan. Registration for that workshop is $5.
FSMA Produce Safety Grower Training (free)
In person
• Sept. 8, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Clark, Mo.
• Oct 12, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Olathe, Kan.
• Jan. 7, 2022, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Wichita, Kan.
Online
• Oct. 28 and Nov. 4, 1-5 p.m. (participants must attend both sessions)
GAP Food Safety Plan online workshop ($5)
• Sept. 9, 3-5 p.m.
Produce Safety Refresher/Annual Supervisor Training (free)
In person
• Sept. 22, 2-4 p.m., Olathe, Kan.
• Sept. 22, 6-8 p.m., Olathe, Kan.
• Jan. 6, 2022, 6-8 p.m. Wichita, Kan.
Online
• Sept. 29, 2-4 p.m.
For more information and registration, visit www.ksre.k-state.edu/foodsafety/produce. For questions, contact Nwadike at 913-307-7391.
Workshops are organized by K-State Research and Extension and the University of Missouri Extension and sponsored by the state agriculture departments of Missouri and Kansas, the Missouri Farmers Union and the Kansas Farmers Union.
K-State Research and Extension continues to provide Kansas produce growers free microbial water testing. Visit https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/foodsafety/produce/testing.html for details.
There is also cost-share funding for growers interested in GAP certification. Contact Nwadike for more information.
